www.soulo.co.nz
Soulo is a platform for applied sustainability work, experimental projects, and emerging services.
It brings together research-informed thinking and practical delivery, documenting technical projects, client work and self-directed experiments.This site documents what I’m building now, and what’s coming next.
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About
Soulo is my public portfolio and workshop. It brings together the projects I'm currently involved in, including applied research and development, emerging ideas, community biodiversity work and ongoing ventures such as Strangers Collective.
I’m an environmental professional with over eight years’ experience across biodiversity, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and practical fieldwork. My career has been defined by a love for verifiable data and hands-on compliance.
While my professional consultancy lives at Evlytics, Soulo is where I document my broader projects.
Soulo Originals
Through Soulo Originals, I test the principles of the circular economy in real-time. I design small-batch, spa-oriented products using reclaimed and natural materials, treating each item as a practical case study. Every product is taken from concept through to making, selling, and iteration in real-world market conditions.
This site documents active projects and work in progress. It’s a place to share what I’m building, testing, and learning as ideas move into practice.
Projects
Work that is live or in active development.
Some are solo projects, others co-organised/founded. These projects have external users, stakeholders, or customers, and are being built to operate in the real world.
Experimental work and early-stage explorations are documented separately.
Ethical Homeware & Gift Store
Environmental Community Group
Solo West Auckland Mothers Support
Small-batch, Reusable Spa Products
Writing Portfolio
Lake Pano Project
Lake Panorama is a gorgeous urban green space in Auckland, NZ that needs some major TLC!
We aren't only about working bees and volunteering. LPP is about connection - with events and activities for all to enjoy.
Click the link to see what this community group is all about! While you're there sign on for updates.
Research & Development
Exploratory work, prototypes, and early-stage ideas.These are projects without fixed outcomes, used to test assumptions, tools, or approaches.Some experiments may become projects. Others exist only to generate learning.
Leafline is a concept for a smart, user-friendly app that helps gardeners, landscapers, and restoration practitioners plan planting projects with confidence.
By using plant phenology, the timing of seasonal plant events, it suggests species, combinations, and planting layouts tailored to your site, goals, and climate, making it easier to achieve year-round colour, biodiversity, or ecological restoration outcomes.
BS Detector is a concept for a smart, user-friendly app that helps shoppers make informed choices in-store. By scanning product barcodes, it uses AI to compare marketing claims, like “high in vitamin C” or “sustainably sourced”, against verified ingredient lists, certifications, and public data, instantly flagging unsupported claims and highlighting inconsistencies. This lets users shop confidently, separating hype from fact. Future updates could add a full product comparison mode based on personalised criteria like price, nutrition, or sustainability.
Profile
Elise Wood
Environmental professional and applied problem solver, with 8+ years’ experience across biodiversity, sustainability, regIulatory compliance, and hands on fieldwork. I combine creative thinking, research, and practical delivery to create meaningful impact and turn ideas into action.
Qualifications
| Qualification | Institution | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Technological Futures (Emerging Tech) | AcademyEx | Expected June 2026 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity) | Unitec Institute of Technology | 2022 |
| Certificate in Environmental Management | Southern Institute of Technology | 2012 |
Certifications & Training
| Certification | Institution | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Building a Greenhouse Gas Inventory | Carbon & Energy Professionals NZ | Feb 2026 |
| Understanding Emissions | Carbon & Energy Professionals NZ | Jan 2026 |
| HSK Level 2 Chinese Proficiency | Confucius Institute | Dec 2025 |
| HSK Level 1 Chinese Proficiency | Confucius Institute | May 2025 |
| ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management - intro, implementation & internal auditor | SGS NZ | Aug 2024 |
| Health & Safety Representative | Biosecurity Academy | June 2024 |
| Growsafe Basic Certificate | Growsafe | Nov 2023 |
| Coordinated Incident Management Systems (CIMS) | MPI NZ | July 2021 |
| Foundational Course in Traditional Māori Healing (Mirimiri & Romiromi) | Manawa Ora | 2019 |
Professional Memberships
Member | New Zealand Association for Impact Assessment (NZAIA) | 2022 – present.Member | Auckland Botanical Society | 2016 – present.
Committee Member 2021 - present.
Publications
Coprosma autumnalis (kanono; Rubiaceae) in New Zealand: nomenclature, iconography and phenology.
Large, M.F., Mabberley, D.J., & Wood, E.N. | Kew Bulletin, 2020 |
DOI.10.1007/s12225-020-9876-4
Strangers Collective
www.strangerscollective.co.nzStrangers Collective is a socially and environmentally responsible homewares and gift store.
We're here to help you make your space beautiful.
All our objects are chosen to inspire individuality and delight the soul; we continue to discover items that bring harmony and character into your home.Browse products from all your favourite eco-brands.
Strange Blog
Strange Blog provides latest trends, product reviews and tips to stay strangely eco.
Enjoy!
www.strangerscollective.co.nz
Soulo Originals
Soulo Originals is where sustainability is tested through making.This collection focuses on small-batch, spa-oriented products designed to replace single-use items with natural, reusable alternatives.
Some pieces incorporate reclaimed or repurposed materials where appropriate.Each product functions as a practical case study, taking ideas from concept through to making, selling, and iteration in real market conditions.Soulo Originals pieces are sold at selected weekend markets. Locations and dates are shared here when confirmed.
Make up Remover Pads
Soap Saver
Shower Mitt
Spa Headband
Soothing Balm
Pāua Earrings
Reclaimed Bike Tube Earrings
Beads 'n' Things
Upcoming Market Dates
| Market | Location | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market | Auckland |
Make up Remover Pads
Makeup Remover Pads are made from 2 layers of 100% cotton terry fabric and backed with linen or cotton fabric. Use plain water and soap or micellar water to gently remove your makeup and daily build up so your skin can breathe easy for the night.
Makeup Remover Pads
Linen Backed Remover Pads
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Contact
Interested in working together or just want to chat about a project?
Drop me a message below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.